IJERSS Volume 1 | Issue 3 March 2014 Research Paper REGENERATION OF TRADITIONAL MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE AT YAMUNA RIVER FRONT, KeyWords : Mughal, Traditional AGRA Architecture, Architectural Identity , Preservation Mohd Khalid Hasan Department of Architecture, Z.H. College Engineering & Technology,Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India ABSTRACT India has been the home of many civilizations throughout the centuries and is loaded with substantial cultural and traditional accumulation. Settlements in different regions of India are the most significant indicators of this accumulation. These civilizations developed a strong traditional architectural heritage over a period of time in different parts of India and Mughal Architecture is one of them. This traditional architecture is being seriously threatened by the outpouring of modern ideas and space-age technology. The dilution effects are most visible i.e. the import of modern materials, the dependence on modern technology, / ignorance of traditional architecture and the shrinking number of artisans have all contributed to the deterioration of our traditional building styles and practices. To maintain our sovereign and independent identity one must sense the danger of losing traditional values and culture and right steps to be taken to preserve and promote the distinctive identity. This paper would be high lighting traditional architecture developed along the Yamuna River during Mughal period and the site can be regenerated to preserve the glory of past Mughal traditional architecture. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I. INTRODUCTION Traditional Architecture of Mughal period in India is a pattern of resource that was developed in response to various factors to meet human needs of the time. It was not only developed to cater the requirements of that period, but was having a broader vision to fulfill the demands of future generation. Since the site is equally important to enhance the beauty of any structure, so in most of these monuments the Charbagh gardens were developed. These structures are monumental in scale which gives the feel of grandeurness and at the same time they are also climate responsive to resist the harsh weather since the temperature shoots up to 480C.The architectural features and elements in these buildings are also unique i.e. the minarets, domes, arches, beautiful projections with stalactite brackets, single piece screens or jali, the beautiful parapet and lots more features, some of which are indigenous in nature and some are borrowed from Persian architecture since the they were from Persian origin. But as we are moving forward in the era of development with modernization and industrialization and with use of modern materials and technology we are leaving our past behind which is available to us in the form of rich traditional architecture. There is a strong need to restore the past since the shoulders of future can only withstand the load of the past. The series of garden monuments which were developed at the bank of river Yamuna in Agra are passing with the same fate of negligence due to the above said factors. YAMUNA RIVER FRONT Agra is one among the most important cities from the historic time which was developed along the bank of river Yamuna. The major means of transportation till the Mughal time at Agra was through river Yamuna and therefore concentration of historical markers was at the riverfront. The city grew on the western bank while the eastern bank was left entirely for leisure and recreation. It is lined with garden complexes on both banks acting as recreational and leisure centres. Agra in 17th Century International Journal of Engineering Research and Sports Science Page 1 A Railway connections laid by the Britishers in 19th century in this area, led to the establishment of cotton and textile industries along the Yamuna River at Agra (presently called as John’s Mill area). But due to the redundancy of the cotton and textile mills in the late 20th Century, the supply from John’s mill area got stopped and from that time the Gadhapara railway station along with its yard is lying vacant. 1. Bhagh-i Nur Afshan (Ram Bagh) 2. Bagh-i Jahan Ara (Zahara Bagh) 3. Tomb of Afzal Khan(Chini-ka-Rauza) 4. The Tomb itmad-ud-Daula 5. Chahar Bagh 6. Mahtab Bagh 7. Taj Mahal 8. Red fort 9. Octonal Bazar 10. Jami Masjid Line drawing Plan of Yamuna River Front at Agra, early 18th century A large number of heritage structures like Bhagh-i Nur Afshan (Ram Bagh), Tomb of Afzal Khan (Chini ka Rauza) , Tomb of Itmad-ud- Daula, Agra Fort and The Taj Mahal were also constructed along the river bank. These heritage structures are having high historic, architectural and associational significance that needs to be regenerated to preserve cultural and architectural traditions of that era. But, due to the focus on Taj Mahal and Agra Fort as major tourist spots, these heritage structures which are also having very high significance are getting neglected and are lying vacant Undeveloped Water front with Mughal Garden Monument II. EXISTING GARDEN MONUMENTS ALONG YAMUNA RIVER FRONT Bagh-E- Nur Afshan Or Ram Bagh The Ram Bagh is the oldest Mughal Garden in India, originally built by the Mughal Emperor Babur in 1528 A.D., located on the Yamuna river front northeast of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Babur was temporarily buried here before being transferred in Kabul. Ram Bagh International Journal of Engineering Research and Sports Science Page 1 Tomb of Afzal Khan or Chini ka Rauza Chini ka Rauza is considered a milestone in Indo-Persian architecture, as it is the very first building in India that has been exclusively decorated by the glazed tile works. The most distinctive feature of the tomb is the colourful tiles or chini, from which the mausoleum gets its name. The tomb is rectangular in shape. The walls of the tomb are adorned with inscriptions and coloured tiles that give a distinctive look to the structure. Chini ka Rauza Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula To the north of the Agra fort and across the river Yamuna are several fine examples of Mughal architecture, Itimad-ud-Daula is one among these garden monuments. The "Itimad-ud-Daula" was built by the empress Noor Jehan as a memorial to her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. It is beautifully ornamented with pietra dura inlay and lattice work marble screens. Itimad-ud-Daula Agra Fort Agra fort is a 16th Century Mughal monument which was constructed by the Emperor Akbar for the defence purpose on the Yamuna river bank. Its magnificent Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) in the west is the public entrance. It presents an imposing accurate facade as show piece towards the city and a more informal stepped elevation with trabeated elements towards the inside of the fort. Agra Fort Taj Mahal Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan at Agra is the best example of architectural progression which is a synthesis of earlier Mughal buildings in India and is a blend of Indo-Iranian architecture of early 17th Century. Taj Mahal, is the best example of architectural composition with its monumental scale, symmetrical balance and proportion. Taj Mahal III. SIGNIFICANCE OF GARDEN MONUMENTS These monuments were developed in various period of Mughal rule in India dated from 15th century till Shahjahan in 17th Century. The scale, massing, proportion and the use of local materials and colours ,they used in their buildings made their buildings unique and formed the definite character of that era. It is also essential to protect the past since these architectural marvels are having high significance and values (historic, associational and architectural) linked with them. These architectural marvels to be restored since their interpretation plays an important role in enhancing people’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of time & place. “Respecting the best of the past provides a powerful justification for gracing our surroundings with the very best of the new” (English Heritage, Power of Place, 2000). International Journal of Engineering Research and Sports Science Page 1 IV. CAUSES OF FAILURE OF GARDEN MONUMENTS Center of Attention These leisure garden monuments are having the unique Mughal character with focus on the detailing of the main built structure and the site is developed in such a way that they are the landmark of their time. These garden monuments like the tomb Itimad-ud- Daula are developed in such a way that being a part of an entire group of monument complex, they are unique and are showing their own identity of that period. It is beautifully ornamented with pietra dura inlay and lattice work marble screens. But the existance of these monuments are threatened and overshadowing by world heritage monument, the Taj Mahal. The entire focus is on Taj Mahal and others are not touched upon by the tourist on their visit to Agra . Lack of Integrity of Routes These garden monuments are well connected with each other along the river Yamuna and are enclosed by attractive building frontages. Every building is just one part of the fabric of the City which is held together by the network of streets and spaces. They are having well enclosed and connected spaces allow using and enjoying them conveniently and in comfort. Since the main road in this area of Johns Mill and Jeoni mandi is parallel to river Yamuna and leads up till Taj Mahal which is the culmination point of leisure monuments. These monuments are visually connected with one another while passing through that road but they are not connected through any network of roads or pathways. This is another reason of negligence of these beautiful monuments. Low Maintenance Public Realm The garden monuments are having high quality public spaces that can attract people, as we know that "people attract people".